SymptomChecker

What causes stuffy nose? 23 possible conditions

What Is Nasal Congestion?

Nasal congestion is another term for a stuffy nose. It is often a symptom of another health problem, such as a sinus infection, but it may also be caused by the common cold. Nasal congestion is marked by:

a stuffy or runny nose

sinus pain

mucus buildup

swollen nasal tissues

Home remedies may be enough to alleviate nasal congestion, particularly if it is brought on by the common cold. However, if you experience chronic (long-term) congestion, you should seek medical treatment.

Causes of Nasal Congestion

Minor illnesses are the most common cause of nasal congestion. For instance, a cold, the flu, and sinus infections can all cause stuffy noses. When your nose becomes stuffed up and inflamed, this is congestion. According to the National Institutes of Health, illness-related congestion usually improves on its own within one week. (NIH, 2011)

Congestion that lasts for longer than one week is often indicative of an underlying health issue. Some explanations for long-term nasal congestion may be:

allergies

hay fever

nasal polyps (noncancerous growths on the nasal passages or sinuses caused by inflammation of those areas)

chemical exposures

environmental irritants

chronic sinusitis (a long-lasting sinus infection)

tumors (usually benign, or noncancerous, masses that can cause congestion if they grow in the nasal passages)

a deviated septum (the structure that separates the two sides of the nose is not located in the middle of the nose)

Nasal congestion may also occur during pregnancy, beginning most often during the end of the first trimester. This nasal congestion may be caused by the hormonal fluctuations and increased blood supply that occur during pregnancy. These changes may affect the nasal membranes, causing them to become inflamed, dry, or to bleed.

Home Remedies for Nasal Congestion

Home remedies can help immensely when you are suffering from nasal congestion. Humidifiers that add moisture to the air may help to break up mucus and to soothe inflamed nasal passageways. However, if you have asthma, ask your doctor before using a humidifier. Propping your head up on pillows can also encourage mucus to flow out of your nasal passages.

There are also a few nonmedicated solutions you can purchase from the drugstore. Also, consider using a saline spray. These sprays can be used as often as needed throughout the day, and they work by breaking up mucus and soothing inflamed nostrils.

Saline sprays are safe for all ages, but for babies you will need to use an aspirator (nasal bulb) afterward. An aspirator is used to remove any remaining mucus from the baby’s nose.

Medical Treatment for Nasal Congestion

Sometimes, home remedies are not enough to relieve congestion, particularly if your symptoms are caused by another health condition. In this case, prompt medical treatment may be needed, especially if your condition is painful and interfering with your everyday activities.

If you have or have had any of the following, see your doctor right away:

congestion that has lasted longer than 10 days

congestion that is accompanied by a high fever that has lasted more than three days

green nasal discharge along with sinus pain and fever (You may have a bacterial infection.)

a weakened immune system, asthma, or emphysema

a recent head injury, and you are now having bloody nasal discharge or a constant flow of clear discharge

Once your doctor has determined the cause of chronic nasal congestion, he or she can then recommend a treatment plan. Treatment plans often include over-the-counter or prescription medication to resolve or alleviate symptoms.

Medications used to treat nasal congestion include:

oral antihistamines to treat allergies, such as loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec)

Possible Complications of Nasal Congestion

Infants and Children

Nasal congestion can be more threatening in infants than in older children and adults. Nasal symptoms can interfere with infant feedings and can even lead to potentially fatal breathing problems. They may also prevent normal speech and hearing development. For these reasons, it is important to contact your pediatrician right away if your infant is experiencing nasal congestion. He or she can then work with you to find the best treatment options for your baby.

See a list of possible causes in order from the most common to the least.

Rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal cavity lining (inside the nose). It is often caused by allergies. It may also be caused by environmental factors such as pollution, weather changes, stress, infections, and som...

Have you ever felt like you have a cold that never goes away? Nasal congestion that doesn't seem to go away, even with over-the-counter cold or allergy medication, may be caused by nasal polyps. Nasal polyps are benig...

Common colds and influenza are contagious infections that affect the respiratory system. Both are airborne illnesses, spread through coughing and sneezing. Shared symptoms include headache, cough, sore throat, and more.

Adenoids are small tissues located at the back of the throat. They are similar to the tonsils, and located right above them. Both adenoids and tonsils are part of the immune system. Adenoids are present at birth, an...

This condition is considered a medical emergency. Urgent care may be required.

An allergy is the immune system's response to a foreign substance (allergen) that is not typically harmful to a person's body. This attack response may involve inflammation, sneezing, and a host of other symptoms.

Nosebleeds are common and rarely indicate a serious medical problem. However, frequent nosebleeds, a bleed that lasts longer than 20 minutes or occurs after an injury may require medical attention. Dry air is the mos...

Everyone has four sets of hollow, air-filled spaces in the head that are connected to the nose and nasal cavity. These spaces are called "sinuses." Sinuses are lined with cells that create mucus to keep your nasa...

If you ever have trouble breathing during allergy season, you may have allergic asthma. Allergic asthma is asthma caused by an allergic reaction. It is also called allergy-induced asthma. People with allergic asthm...

Food allergies are overblown responses by the immune system to foods that aren't typically harmful - like eggs and peanuts. Continue reading and learn more about food allergies, and how to prevent or treat sever...

Agammaglobulinemia (AGMX) is an inherited immune system disorder. Passed from parent to child, it is also known as Bruton’s agammaglobulinemia, congenital agammaglobulinemia, and X-linked agammaglobulinemia. AGM...

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